CHICAGOLAND GROWS®, INC. Plant Introduction Program - Plant Release Bulletin #29 Whitewater Prostrate Speedwell Veronica ‘Whitewater’ PP#22783 The Whitewater prostrate speedwell is an attractive and durable groundcover adaptable to both sun and partial shade. Its glistening white flowers produced from April into June give way to attractive glossy dark green leaves on a dense groundcover plant. The leaves turn a dark burgundy in autumn and winter. Veronica ‘Whitewater’ is a stable branch sport from the popular Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’. Discovered by John Wachter at Elite Growers, Inc., Ingleside, Illinois, and co-introduced with Chicagoland Grows®. Chicagoland Grows® is a nonprofit corporation of the Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois (OGA). Whitewater Prostrate Speedwell Veronica ‘Whitewater’ PP#22783 Botanical Name Ornamental Characteristics Veronica ‘Whitewater’ PPAF The glistening white, ½-inch-wide flowers are produced for an extended season from spring into early summer, Common Name with ½-inch-wide glossy dark green leaves produced Whitewater Prostrate Speedwell on creeping wiry stems. The foliage turns an attractive burgundy to bronze in winter months. In mild climates, Family the plant can remain evergreen, extending the attractive Plantaginaceae (formerly in Scrophulariaceae) winter color. Origin Culture Discovered by John Wachter at Elite Growers, Inc., Full sun to partial shade on a medium to dry soil is Ingleside, Illinois, this selection appeared as a white- recommended. Soil type and pH adaptable. flowered branch sport in a batch of propagations of Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’. The flower color has been Pest and Disease Problems stable through repeated propagation cycles and three No known pests or diseases. Deer and rabbit resistant. years of in-ground trials. Otherwise, this selection is identical to Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’. Landscape Value An excellent groundcover plant, useful in the rock garden, Hardiness along paths and border edges, cascading over stone walls USDA Zones 4-7 or among boulders, between pavers, and in the alpine garden. Use it as a “living mulch” under taller, airy shrubs Bloom Season or perennials that allow light through to their bases, or The selection bloomed from late April to late June with among bulbs such as lilies. This durable and adaptable a peak bloom in mid-May in trials at the Chicago Botanic groundcover plant is dense enough to suppress weeds, Garden (USDA Zone 5). A few flowers may appear and tough enough to tolerate some foot traffic. sporadically throughout the remainder of summer and autumn. Propagation Easy to root from shoot-tip cuttings taken any time the Plant Habit plant is in growth from spring to autumn. Cuttings can An herbaceous perennial that forms a dense low carpet. also be taken from potted plants forced over winter in a The prostrate stems root in as they spread. greenhouse. The rooted prostrate stems can be divided. Size Plants grow 4 to 6 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide in a single season. Over time, it will cover a more expansive area. Growth Rate A vigorous spreader for a plant of its size. Chicagoland Grows® is a nonprofit corporation of the Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois (OGA). The Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program is dedicated to the evaluation, selection, production, and marketing of recommended and new plant cultivars. Plants selected for the program have proven to be adaptable to the Midwest and are made available to the commercial and retail landscape industry through an international network of growers and propagators. ©2012 Chicago Botanic Garden RE120795 For more information about Chicagoland Grows® contact the Plant Introduction Program, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, (847) 835-8309 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org..